20 percent of Coloradans lack health insurance
By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published October 8, 2008 at 10:01 p.m.
Nearly one in five Coloradans has no health insurance, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today, and among Hispanics it is more than one in three.
The report, based on data gathered in 2005, provides the most extensive estimates the Census Bureau has published on a problem that was second only to the economy in the presidential candidates debate Tuesday night.
Health care for the uninsured also provided one of the largest unresolved debates of the last session of the Colorado legislature.
In Colorado, Douglas County has the lowest rate of uninsured, 10.6 percent of its population under age 65, while in Saguache County 38 percent of the population lacks health insurance.
Former state Sen. Polly Baca attributed the gap between Hispanics and whites to a simple economic factor: "We're over- represented in the low income category. As a consequence of our income, we really have a more difficult time getting insurance. We can't afford it."
Jobs in the service sector or construction aren't as likely to provide insurance coverage to employees, immigrant rights groups say.
That means that people end up in emergency rooms, where the cost of care skyrockets - further disabling an overburdened system.
"If they're not getting health care, it means they no longer get preventative health care," Baca said.
Baca, a management consultant and former head of the Latin American Research and Service Agency, said the nation's health care system is in crisis.
"Much of this can only be solved with an adjustment in health care policy, which is why this election is so critical," she said.
Nationwide, nearly 16 percent of Americans lack health insurance, according to Census Bureau figures.
The Small Area Health Insurance Estimates data will surely factor into any health care policy debate. The data also allow searches across gender, age and income lines.
"Prior to this, the most recent data at the county level was for 2000," said Jeff Bontrager, senior research analyst for the Colorado Health Institute.
Bontrager and Amy Downs, director for policy and research for the nonprofit health policy research organization, said the agency gets lots of questions from outlying Colorado communities.
"This is going to help local communities think about health care reform proposals . . . by having a better understanding of who are the uninsured in their specific communities," Downs said.
A study released in March by the nonprofit Families USA found that every day in Colorado one person dies unnecessarily because he or she doesn't have health insurance.
Currently, $30.1 billion is spent on health care in Colorado.
Staff writer Burt Hubbard and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
By the numbers
* Statewide figures for people under age 65 who are uninsured:
All 17.7 percent
White 12.4 percent
Black 19.4 percent
Hispanic 35.3 percent * Metro counties, people under age 65 who are uninsured:
Boulder 20.4 percent
Denver 19.4 percent
Arapahoe 16.8 percent
Adams 16.0 percent
Jefferson 14.5 percent
Broomfield 13.5 percent
Douglas 10.6 percent
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October 8, 2008
10:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
awakenedcitizen writes:
Who really cares? McCain? LOL He got pushed into the health care issue to keep up with Obama, who has always cared about it.
October 8, 2008
10:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
FCZ writes:
What percent are here illegally ?
Should Americans pay higher taxes to give 'free' healthcare to foreign nationals ?
Does America have enough Doctors, nurses, other health professionals to offer 'free' health care to foreign nationals ?
October 8, 2008
10:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
awakenedcitizen writes:
FCZ What is the "net net"? Our illegal visitors rent apartments and houses, buy cars and gas, utilize laundermats, check cashing services, clothing stores, grocery stores, buy jewelry, cigarettes and liquor, household goods, restaurants and bars, barber shops and beauty salons.....on the other hand they use health care and schools. The ones with illegal papers pay taxes, just like citizens. So if all illegals left the country, what would the "net net" be for the economy?
Apartment owners, grocery stores, laundermats and other businesses would suffer. Dollar stores would probably close.
I don't have the answer, just wonder if anyone has ever done the calculations......
Money IN vs Money OUT
October 8, 2008
10:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
WestminsterJ writes:
FCZ: What percent are here illegally ?
Did you bother to look at the figures prominently displayed? 35% of those uninsured are Hispanic. If you assume, as you probably would, that they are all here illegally, that means 35%, unless you think a bunch of Canadians are sneaking south over the border. So your attempt to shift the topic fails miserably. Sure, illegals are a small constituent of the uninsured; hardly the whole problem, as you want to think.
October 8, 2008
10:47 p.m.
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Sundog writes:
Geez, what's important is not that we use taxes that we pay to help preserve our lives when we are critically ill without bankrupting us, what's important is that folks that we elected take that same money and give it to Africans, Indonesians, anyone but the folks who gave them the money, including veterans who paid enormous prices for such selfsame nonsense. Beats me, gang. And don't give me any of that "look how bad the Canadian system is," because it just doesn't matter if our system doesn't take care of us at all. Not at all!
October 8, 2008
11:27 p.m.
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INC writes:
With Canada AND Mexico having Health care for its citizens (along with all other industrialized nations) their respective Countries would pay the bill any way...
so why are you concerned FCZ?
October 8, 2008
11:56 p.m.
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angryman1n writes:
I think FCZ makes a solid point. Do we have enough doctors to fill the need? Remember it's an economic point. Supply vs. Demand.
Sure the doctors would want to help everyone, but do they have the time? I say no. That would massively increase the demand on medical schools. Salaries of doctors currently in the field would skyrocket, and eventually we would end up pumping out med students with watered-down skills.
What would happen to the cost of health care if suddenly their patient numbers doubled? The hospitals are businesses. Costs will shift to balance the equation. Supply vs. Demand.
October 9, 2008
12:31 a.m.
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H20 writes:
Who works in the fields to pick the food the doctors eat? Ever think about that? I know most Americans would not take those jobs!! Think about all those back breaking jobs most Americans would not take but is needed for you to enjoy the finer thinks in life!!!
October 9, 2008
1:44 a.m.
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Jace writes:
Remember HMO'S wow we got such good care with that did we not. Don't see them anymore do we?
Remember Clinton? He ran on Health Care and Lowering the Taxes. Did it happen? No. He looked at the budget when he got into office and said well I can't do that. And Health Care well what that did not happen either. Obama has the nerve to say he will give each citizen the same type of health care the Congress gets.
When pigs fly.
This country is in debt. up to it's eyeballs. Each of us the taxpayer are in debt up to our eyeballs and things are looking shaky. You cannot spend what you do not have. Credit is tight. Are you tightening your spending to just keep going with the basic needs? Well don't you think the government should freeze it's spending like each of us are until this situation gets under control? No one is going to have a finer life until we get this financial mess under control. Wake up.
October 9, 2008
2:19 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
If 20% don't have health insurance, I find it amazing that 80% of Colorado does. If 80% have health insurance, with all factors included and considered, I would think that pretty impressive that only 20 % or one fifth of Colorado have no health insurance. FCZ makes a valid point that when factored in make it even more amazing a number. I always thought it was considerably more than 20% without healthcare, illegals put a heck of a strain not only on healthcare, but our prisons, education and other areas as well. We have over 4 thousand illegals in our state prisons alone.
October 9, 2008
3:49 a.m.
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happymike44 writes:
I bet if we removed the illegals from the system it would be closer to forty percent.
I feel we should stop giving illegals free healthcare and return them to mexico.
When they crawl over our border then drive them right back to Mexico and deliver the little anchor baby to be right back to the motherland.
Remember they have no reason to obey our laws and traditions.
The very things my family has fought for since 1750.
We also need to dig a canal to seperate the two countries and stop educating those who have no right to be here.
Just do nothing t help the illegals start wih no free medical and no free welfare.
Send them back and build a fifty foot tall wall and keep them out. We can't house and employ those who were born here.
We have no obligation to provide illegals with a job and medical benefits.
October 9, 2008
3:51 a.m.
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roger44 writes:
President Eisenhower deported 1.2 million illegals in the 50's so returning Korean war vets would have jobs, this country should have continued to do so. They came up, picked the crops and went home, didn't stay. Now, they are staying, the criminals are seeking refuge here, just like Cuba sent their criminals across to Florida. They may pay taxes while here, but at a much lower rate, they claim 6 kids and pay fewer taxes, move somewhere else under a different name and do the same thing. Our vehicle insurance rates are high in Colorado because they don't get insurance, I insured my rv and pick for 1/2 the cost of the vehicle alone in colorado, and wages were actually lower here in NE Colorado. My health insurance was 21 bucks a week in KS, they wanted 60 a week here, needless to say I don't have it. I quit working full time, draw SS, part time work. The difference between here and there is number of illegals.
October 9, 2008
4:25 a.m.
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Sue3275 writes:
Have you heard of Dic*K Morris-----the former Campaign Manager for Bill Clinton??
Have you heard of his new book----"Fleeced"----which is now on the best sellers' list???
In his book, he points out that Obama's health care plan DEFINITELY covers ILLEGALS---and that the MAJORITY of the uninsured are ILLEGALS. Obama will lie and say that it does NOT cover illegals, that is because he plans on making all of them legal first.
He also points out that at that point----millions more of illegals will be trying to get here.
He also points out that this will DESTROY our health care systems---and that in some instances, ILLEGAL INVADERS will be getting better health care coverage than tax paying US citizens.
Here is something else that he points out----imagine that your 70 year old mother needs a liver transplant---as well as a 28-year old illegal invader. There are only X amount of livers available for transplants. Who do you think will get the liver??? Of course the 28-year old illegal invader----NOT your 70 year old mother who lived, worked, and paid taxes in our country her entire life.
October 9, 2008
4:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
paulhsiehmd writes:
One has to be extremely wary of these sorts of statistics, as they tend to greatly over-inflate the magnitude of the insurance problem. For instance, if you have a single day of non-coverage during a particular calendar year (perhaps because you're switching jobs), then the US government statistics count you as "uninsured" for that year.
It would be like counting a person as "homeless" if they had to crash at a friend's place for a couple of days while switching between apartments.
Sally Pipes of the Pacific Research Institute has an article on exactly this issue at:
"45.7 Million or 8 Million?: Focus on the narrow problem"
http://healthcareblog.spn.org/457-mil...
Basically, she shows that after subtracting those who are only temporarily uninsured do to job switches, those who are here illegally, those who are eligible for various public programs (like Medicaid) but don't apply, those who are wealthy enough to afford insurance and choose to pay out-of-pocket, etc., the number of chronically uninsured in this country goes way down from over 45 million to 8 million. In other words, the commonly cited statistics over-exaggerate the problem by over 5 fold.
There are genuine problems with the current system. But a massive government program of "universal coverage" is not the solution.
To solve the problem of the uninsured by forcing everyone into a system of government-run "universal care" would be like solving the problem of homelessness but forcing everyone to live in government-run housing projects.
Paul Hsieh, MD
Freedom and Individual Rights in Medicine (FIRM)
http://www.WeStandFIRM.org
October 9, 2008
5:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Baca, a management consultant and former head of the Latin American Research and Service Agency, said the nation's health care system is in crisis.
Yes, it is and it is caused by illegals here in Colorado.
My mother-in-law...who has health insurance...was suffering a stroke. We rushed her to Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. They sat her in the emergency room...full of illegals with all of their kids with colds and flu and you name it. There must have been 75 to 80 filling up that room. After sitting with here for over 40 minutes waiting while these, "uninsured illegals" that did not have life threatening problems were being processed. My wife went to the office and asked just who was determining which patients needed treatment the most. Finally, an intern came out and looked at my mother-in-law and determined she need immediate care. Wow...amazing....if you do not corner the medical staff..it makes no differance if you have insurance or not. She could had died waiting for all of the illegals (without life threatening emergencies) over loading the emergency room.
Send them back to Mexico NOW!
October 9, 2008
5:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
kc02 writes:
How many have no car insurance either, and is it the same people? My bet would be yes.
Is health insurance expensive? Absolutely. Is it available? Yes!
Enforce the immigration laws.
October 9, 2008
5:38 a.m.
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Mike846 writes:
One of the reasons California has a huge budget deficit is the big population of illegal aliens that the state welcomes. Hospitals are closing in droves, going broke because of the strain of uninsured illegals. Their prisons are full of illegals, some estimate as much as 50% of the prisoners. Schools are overloaded and strained. Its time to VOTE and throw out of office any politician who panders to the illegal population. VOTE No on any proposition that makes the life of illegal aliens easier. Boycott employers who hire illegal aliens. WE have to take control, and make a start as soon as possible. Mike
October 9, 2008
6:04 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
Why is it every topic on health care turns into a it is all the illegals fault? My question goes out to all of those above that says this. Where in this article did it show a stat that reflected how many were illegal? You all want to sweep this problem and the cause under the rug like many other problems we face. You think kick all the illegals out of the country and this issue goes away. Well I got news for you. Everyone in this country isn't like Louie who has millions and can sit at a computer 24/7 and give us all the answers. There are responsible citizens out there that are loosing insurance. I have a very good job and make good not great money but has seen in 4 years my part of my insurance go from $24 dollars to $475 a month in just 8 years. At that rate a lot of us is going to be added to that percentage. But as long as we have people that have the "I got mine" attitude this problem will get worse. You all can't see that what went how in the banking industry is going on in the health insurance industry. Capitalism and greed is putting a big squeeze on the little guy. WAKE UP!!!
Oh and by the way I'm not for government supplied health insurance but they are forcing into it.
October 9, 2008
6:14 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
gary writes:
"My mother-in-law...who has health insurance...was suffering a stroke."
I have had two situations involving strokes. And these are like heart attacks. We as responsible family members called an ambulance. And when that happens they take you straight in to a trauma room. So either you wasn't using your head or your story is a fabricated BS one. And even if you did take her in if this hospital didn't take her right end your problem is with the hospital not the illegals. Gary keep in mind that we're not a bunch of third graders your blogging to.
October 9, 2008
6:22 a.m.
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SanctuaryCity writes:
Appears that the illegals continue to expand the statistics from crime to healthcare. Lets get ritter on a new sales tax increase before the election called the sanctuary tax
October 9, 2008
7:02 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Dilligaf, I'm nobody, only as rich as my family; every member of my family labors for together for one common goal. I told you I live far below my means in a little HUD house, chosing to do as my family taught me, putting my money to work, instead of incurring debt. The head of my family is worth millions, that is true, we have been groomed to maintain and enhance what he has created. I now teach the third generation. I owe no man, no bank, my money now works for me at profit. We all came up poor in our own way, the head of my family in the streets of New York. Me, thats another story all together. We sacrificed 7 days a week, 18 hour days, running as many as seven businesses at any given time, no vacations as I have had 2 weeks in over 20 years, creating this empire. I am only as strong as my family, only as wealthy as my family, they eat, I eat. I saved for years, investing money wisely, this is what I was taught. Some people make great money, more than I, yet they are deep in debt, owe more than they can pay, encumbered with assets far above their means. The home I chose was a HUD house years ago in the last oil collapse of the late 80's. It's value has only increased today since we owned it. I can pay it off no problem as we have whats called savings, in addition to investments as well as gold and other intresting things I aquirred over the years. Everyone has a choice how to build their house, I don't like debt, instead my money works for me. Everyday I study the markets looking for places I want or can make money by reinvesting years of profits being made off other investments. The grandchildren in my family will have no choice but to serve the family, they will be schooled as I was to handle money. Thus the day comes God forbid, the wealth changes hands, each generation will have been schooled in this same manner. It's not how much money you earn Dilligaf, it's what you did with it. Some encumbered great debt, others learn to use it to create more, even in bad times like now. I am only as strong as my family. Many men are blessed to make much more than me, what did they do with it? I spent many hard years building security for my family, and today I am well off for those decisions. The bank president knows each of us by name, he personally sees to our affairs. We earned that priveledge. I live in envy of no man, I owe no man, I am wise with what I've been given, it's very simple. You said you are a big guy who makes great money Dilligaf, how did you put your money to work for you? Surely you don't owe anybody, must work for yourself by now just as we do. Must own your own business at least by now I suspect, so why so bitter? I am glad we cut down to 3 along with all the other things that now have to be maintained, 7 was streching us thin. God bless Dilligaf, last time I explain it to you. I'm nobody, only as powerful as my family. We play in the market, we have a blast, life is fun, I hope never to retire, because what would I do then?
October 9, 2008
7:16 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Dilligaf, my computers are what I need each to continiously look at the markets, no offense. New York and London close, I'm in the Asian markets looking for deal to be had. I play with money all day. I hate when they crash. Why so bitter Dilligaf, if you were my friend you could come in and spend time with us and learn. Everyday we have people show up just to ask our thoughts or opinion on problems they encounter in their lives. I sit and take the time with each of them. I have great insurance, but like anyone else I pay a high cost to have it. I hope just like everyone else the cost comes down, will it, who knows. Yes, I have a need to have the markets close at hand, we play in the markets and study them all day. Yes, I hit the newspapers throughout the world as well. Would you like that I refrain from putting my opinion here Dilligaf when I stop in on the Rocky site?
October 9, 2008
7:44 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
LOUIE
Again I came across wrong. I tend to keep doing that. What I was trying to get across (knowing you come from a success story) that unless you are in your situation we are all affected by this problem. This is not just minorities and illegals. Something better get done or this will hurt us as hard if not harder then the crisis we are in today. And as we speak there are thousands loosing their jobs because of the financial crisis. And they are also loosing their coverage. So to spin all of this on the illegals is just racism coming out. As for my sarcastic comment about the computer that was not called for. Sorry
October 9, 2008
9:16 a.m.
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davies writes:
I will point out that among this 20% is my 20-year-old son, an able-bodied, intelligent young man who would qualify for coverage under my health plan up to age 25, had he elected to stay in college full-time; instead he works part-time intermittently and goes to college part-time. As his father, I am certain he is capable of more.
Also the 20% includes my ex-wife, who abuses alcohol and has yet to face up to the fact that she is an alcoholic and has to quit drinking, and as a result she lost her job and her health insurance coverage. These are both people I love, but who I recognize need to take some personal responsibility for their lack of coverage.
October 9, 2008
10:22 a.m.
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justinco writes:
I'm one of the 12.4%